Ambode vows to transform Badagry in 18 months

Lagos—Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state yesterday commissioned 500 metres Imeke-Ajido Bridge, a major link bridge in Badagry Local Government, even as he disclosed that plans had been concluded to transform the town in another 18 months to a tourist centre.

Ambode and artists at the fourth day of One Lagos Fiesta held in Badagry

Addressing the residents at the Badagry Secondary School, venue of the One Lagos Fiesta (OLF) and commissioning of the project, Ambode said that projects have been earmarked for the town in the coming year, saying that his plan was for people to live, work and play in Badagry.

According to the governor at the fiesta, “I know that there are lots of youths in Badagry and we have decided that throughout next year, we are coming to do a lot of projects in Badagry that will bring out all the tourism potentials of Badagry.

“To start with, next month, we are coming to construct a 500-seater Arts Theatre and a Cinema just opposite the General Hospital. You already see what is going on at the Badagry Marina, it will create a lot of jobs for all of you but more importantly, I want you to take advantage of the Employment Trust Fund (ETF) that we have created. We believe all of us that are out of job for now; we have designed a way that you can have access to the ETF so that you can create jobs among yourselves.

“I want people to live in Badagry, work here and also play in Badagry. That is what we have started; we are going to continue and in the next 18 months, Badagry will change forever for good,” he added.

At the commissioning ceremony, the governor stressed that the project was a promise kept and an effort aimed at making life comfortable for the people.

It was learned that before the construction of the bridge by the State Government, the people of the area were said to have been subjected to untold hardship trying to connect Ajido town to Imeke, all suburbs in Badagry.

The Governor also approved immediate commencement of work on the second phase of the project which is 17km network of roads connecting Aradagun to Whispering Palms, a resort in the axis.

The Governor said: “Apart from this bridge that we have just commissioned, take the second phase which connects this place to Whispering Palms as being approved immediately and work should commence immediately.